Union County

Those going through rehab to bounce back from the struggles involved in drug addiction will tell you about the tremendous significance of each and every personal victory – no matter how small or seemingly trivial – that they experience as they move through the process. For those who have successfully managed to get their lives back on track, they can’t begin to fully express the gratitude they feel for the love and support that they receive from the caregivers and advocates with whom they partner, especially since the temptation to backslide is ever-present. And witnessing what such individuals go through in these circumstances provides the basis for this debut feature from writer-director Adam Meeks. The film follows the ups and downs of Cody Parsons (Will Poulter), a former inmate who has been addicted to opiates since he was 17 but has recently been released to participate in the Adult Recovery Court program in rural Union County, Ohio. This multi-pronged treatment protocol is aimed at helping substance abusers transition back into everyday life with the assistance of specialized counselors, police officials, medical practitioners and a compassionate but strict judge (Kevin P. Braig) providing comprehensive oversight. Cody’s experience is somewhat unusual in that he’s going through the program at the same time as his foster brother Jack (Noah Centineo), who’s more genial, open, animated yet vulnerable than his more reserved sibling and who has had more than his share of missteps along the way. Cody also has several uncomfortable encounters with his sister, Katrina (Emily Meade), who’s not particularly forgiving, making Cody’s recovery that much more difficult. In telling this story, the filmmaker provides an up-close look at what individuals living with these challenges go through on a daily basis, including glimpses into the lives of real-life program participants, an approach that’s eye-opening in an almost documentary way. And this material is enhanced by the...